"We never solved the mystery of the identity
of 'Mr. King,' and although we succeeded in destroying the enterprise
I have since thought that we acted with undue precipitation."
"Yes," said Dunbar rapidly; "but there was that poor girl to be
rescued, you will remember? We couldn't waste time."
"I agree entirely, Inspector. Our hands were forced. Yet, I repeat, I
have since thought that we acted with undue precipitation. I will tell
you why. Do you recall the loss--not explained to this day--of the
plans of the Haley torpedo?"
"Perfectly," replied the Commissioner; and Dunbar also nodded
affirmatively.
"Very well. A similar national loss was sustained about the same time
by my own Government. I am not at liberty to divulge its exact nature,
as in the latter case the loss never became known to the public. But
the only member of the French Chamber who had seen this document to
which I refer was a certain 'M. Blank,' shall we say? I believe also
that I am correct in stating that the late Sir Brian Malpas was a
member of the British Cabinet at the time that the Haley plans were
lost?"
"That is correct," said the Assistant Commissioner, "but surely the
honour of the late Sir Brian was above suspicion?"
"Quite," agreed Max; "so also was that of 'M. Blank.' But my point is
this: Both 'M. Blank' and the late Sir Brian were clients of the
opium syndicate!"
Dunbar nodded again eagerly.
"Hard work I had to hush it up," he said.
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